Qatar 2022: Andres Iniesta's iconic story from 2010 World Cup with Spain | OneFootball

The Spanish treble – Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012 – is as stunning an achievement in international football as one would ever see.

Not only did they have reward for their dominance, but they revolutionized the sport. The rise of ‘tiki-taka’ football was started at Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, but the heart of the midfield was shared with the national side.

Andres Iniesta was arguably its crowning jewel, a man capable of magic on the ball, a playmaker with an innate understanding of the game. It was fitting then, that he would score the winning goal to give Spain the World Cup.

Little did we know though, that Iniesta was struggling with his mental health at the time. He has spoken candidly about his struggles at the time since, which simply enhances his legend as a player, but also the legacy he left in South Africa.

Iniesta’s tough journey to the 2010 World Cup

Iniesta had suffered from a spate of injuries in the 2008-09 season, robbing him of confidence. But it was nothing compared to the loss of his close friend Dani Jarque in August 2009.

His passing hit Iniesta hard, requiring the assistance of a professional psychologist, and he is on record as saying it was the hardest phase of his life. Only the good support of his then girlfriend and wife, parents, as well as Barcelona and Vicente del Bosque was able to pull him through it.

The Spaniard manager was cognisant of Iniesta’s struggles and helped him through it, understanding the importance of being in the right frame of mind.

But it didn’t help Iniesta to be struggling with physical injuries as well as mental health. He was struggling to finish training, and it was a dark period.

It was under this cloud that Iniesta travelled to South Africa under. Spain were expected to make a strong impression as European champions, which was why their early 1-0 loss to Switzerland was a big surprise.

Spain & Iniesta got their act together after Switzerland loss

But they got their act afterwards, with a David Villa brace leading them to a 2-0 win over Honduras. This was followed by a 2-1 win over Chile, where Iniesta scored the second goal; it secured Spain’s top-spot in the group. From there on, the grind has begun.

Four 1-0 wins on the way to the cup is an unexpected journey, but it was the path Spain trod: with plenty of possession along the way. Villa scored against Portugal, and then Paraguay, leading to a semi-final against Germany.

Carlos Puyol’s powerful header in the 73rd minute from a corner was enough to send Spain through to the final.

The 2010 World Cup final

As it turned out, Netherlands came out to batter Spain in the field. Presumable, the team talk was to clatter them if they couldn’t have the ball.

There were 14 yellow cards dished out, and it wasn’t a memorable game in any way. It appeared destined for penalties, like in 2006, after 120 minutes of tedium. And then Iniesta arrived.

Spain had stood steady all game, patient in possession in the hopes of a chance. And that came. Iniesta was free in the box, and a hopeful ball to his direction was blocked by the Dutch defense.

Unfortunately, it fell to Cesc Fabregas, who took a touch and played Iniesta through. Now completely unmarked, Iniesta ran with the ball, before volleying it past Stekelenburg.

1-0 Spain, minute 116. Game done. Iniesta took off on an ecstatic run, revealing his undershirt with the message “Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros” – Dani Jarque, always with this.

It was a moment of deep catharsis for Iniesta, but also spoke to his humanity and selflessness. In the biggest moment of his career, his friend was most important.

It was a fitting tribute, and a fitting denouement to the tournament. An ugly final was settled by a touch of genius from a brilliant player, who rose from the darkness to make the ultimate difference.

He was a magician with the ball, and many deemed him unlucky to win a Ballon D’Or in his career. But such personal achievements were a paradox to the style that brought him far.

Both club and country achieved greatness through the collective, and so Iniesta’s recognition would have to be unofficial.

Iniesta’s incredible legacy

He was never an individual player, combining with Sergio Busquets and Xavi in midfield, and it might be one of the greatest midfield trios, a group that complemented and elevated each other.

Despite all that went through, and the doubts and scars left by multiple injuries, Iniesta’s goal was proof that magic, skill, talent transcend such mortal trials.

In the moment, he spotted the space and let his body take over and do the rest. With mere seconds, there is no time to think deeply, and so intuition takes over the body. He became a hero, a deserved one for Spain, and a player we will never forget.

He would be remembered for his goal alone, but the emotional story behind it is enough to make anyone tear up. Sometimes football is great. Andres Iniesta, you little beauty.

Quiz: Can you name all 30 of these ‘streets won’t forget’ players from World Cups?

1 of 30

A nice easy start…

James Rodriguez Fredy Guarin